REVIEW OF THE ALBUM GUILTY AS CHARGED BY IRON CURTAIN

Iron Curtain is essentially a speed metal band formed back in 2007 and released 2 albums so far, Road to Hell and Jaguar spirit. Now three years after the second full length, these Spanish quartet are back with another dose of genuine 80s speed heavy metal. Guilty as charged will be out the next 14th October via Pure Steel Records. In the meantime you can check out their single Wild and Rebel from their Youtube Channel:

As mentioned their style is a perfect constructed speed metal, with influences from Motorhead and Iron Maiden to Accept backed with catchy gig ready choruses. Good example of that is the first track Into the Fire, submerging the listener to the true sound of Iron Curtain: fast paced and headbanging shot of adrenaline. Notice here a perfect Lemmy style on the vocals at some points. 

These accelerated paradise becomes contagious to the rest of the album, Lion's Breath and Take it back are a good proof of the best of the record and you will feel like going into the pit and scream those choruses out loud. Instrumental are in remarkable harmony and guitar virtue are at 50/50 leadership with vocals and rhythm.

Relentless start as a change of pace with a mid tempo song, and not a doubt this shot sounds like Accept from start to finish; voice, drum beats, guitars and even the structure of the song is made to sound like the German heroes. A run of the mill track but always enjoyable to listen.

The album won't let you down at this point, as the best track is about to start: Iron Price combines very Iron Maiden'ish riffs with the best of Mike's vocal styles. Fast and lighter track, with really straightforward and catchy sections being followed by Outlaw and Wild&Rebel, continuing the raw and fast strategy with back vocals that will catch your attention.

The tittle track Guilty as Charged follows in velocity but increases in vocal melody, even bringing the band style to the early eighties, when the NWOBHM exploded like Big Bang; definitely one of the best songs of the album and letting the last song continue the same path of its preview shot: Turn the Hell On makes the best of the riff melodies combining awesomely good with the back vocals, and bringing up one of the most catchy bridges and choruses of the band, being well structured and leaving the listener hungry for more... In my case I just restarted the album for my second listen.

I can say Iron Curtain just nailed it with this record, Guilty as Charged is very solid and well produced, being raw and sharp in style combined with a crystal clear production. If you like true speed metal obviously you will love this band and my suggestion for you: get the album because you will really enjoy it. It's clear the likes of these Spanish band, and they use their influences in a perfect combination to generate their own sound, and that sound is really well created in this headbanging electric gem,

8.5 / 10

Iron Curtain lineup

Mike Leprosy Vocals, Guitars (rhythm)
Joserra Bass
Alberto Fuentes Drums
Miguel Angel Lopez Guitars (lead)

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REVIEW OF THE ALBUM COMEBACK BY LEATHER HEART

Leather Heart are a classic heavy metal band from Madrid (Spain) formed in 2008,  now they just released their first full length called Comeback, the evolution and improvements in the sound is more than evident, guitars now have more presence and the instrumental parts in the album are sophisticated and you couldn’t believe this is a debut album at all, these guys have the experience of bands with more than three albums in their backs.

In terms of composition in general the tracks got a more complex structure with changes of rhythm in songs like The Crow or the tittle track Comeback to name a few, and always moving between Judas Priest and Queensryche but with touches of Dokken at some point and an undeniable influence of Dio and Glenn Hughes on the voice, you can check the awesome cover of Black Sabbath hit Danger Zone.

Generally the album moves in a mid to fast paced tracks, songs like Destiny is a clear highlight of the band’s sound and also is one of the best of the album as the mid paced pounding drums mixes in harmony with a perfect structure, catchy 80s revival also seen in Rock n Roll Soul with a hard rocker essence very well created and a headbanging second half of the track.

Depths of space and Hopeless Sinner are two of the best composed tracks as mid tempo in crescendo gems; its also good to mention the track Leather Heart is re recorded for the first album, with a better production and more presence of the instrumentals.

Leaving the best for the last, Restless, the riff is going to take you straight to the mid 80s and just the vocal parts are gonna blow out your mind, great job on the structure and the details of the guitars, continuing with the ballad For You, with good acoustic parts with ascending power being very intense, epic!

Last shot and my favourite is the tittle track Comeback, got a sophisticated structure full of changes of rhythm going fast and slow surprisingly effective, and also combining the best sides of the album, the epic sensation and the passion and intensity of the mid tempo ballads, truly a masterpiece.

Taking the full concept of this record in one word it has to be a masterpiece and one of the best english sung albums ever made in Spain, they improved to a crystal clear production, Comeback got the power and the glory, its headbanging at all times rememoring the golden mid 80s inspiration. be aware of these guys, this is only the beginning of a band that bounds to rule the NWOTHM very soon!

9 / 10

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REVIEW OF THE ALBUM OVERDRIVE BY RUNNING DEATH

Finally the long awaited full length from the German Thrashers Running death is out, full of improvements from their last EP Call of extintion (2012), read that review following this link.

What the listener will notice right after the first intro called It begins is the high level of technical performance on the instrumentals and that important progressive thrash feeling, Hell on Earth is just about this stuff, combining fast and mid paced sections with an excellent job by guitars and drums leaving vocals attacking with a high pitched harsh power; continuing with Psycho on the same line of fast pace but clearly more modern influence combined with strong mid tempo verses, slightly darker and melodic at some points.

Remote Controlled develops diverse riff combinations including palm muted galloping and melodic links with verses, creating headbanging parts and building a good chorus, clearly improving what we've seen on this album up to now, Simon nailed it on this one on the vocal interpretation, continuing with Close minded, reminding to those genuine Metallica riffs, being a clear influence for the band, strong palm muted shots and really good lyrics.

Raging nightmare explodes suddenly in a galloping headbanging bomb, that's pure moshpit thrash on fire, right in the middle of the album this is what a metalhead is waiting for, outstanding job on guitars and vocals, noticing the excellent production here is clearly better than their previous jobs, crystal clear drum details and bass performance, one of the best shots of Running death.

The instrumental acoustic track Deludium opens to Mercenary, creating an awesome crescendo straight away from the first second developing a mid thrash metal mayhem including progressive shots on the guitars, on the line of the general band's style serving as a good highlight of the album; linking to Pray for death, this time creating a doom/evil sound and accelerating the machinery to good speed thrash metal territories, it will call the attention of the listener in terms of composition.

But at my point of view the best is yet to come with the last three tracks of the album, starting with Reduced as a rhythm changing powerful shot, where palm muted and melodies dance around a pure thrash metal machine on drums, denoting a very intense vocal performance and enjoyable instrumentals all over the song; continuing without rest with the tittle track Overdrive as an old school thrash metal anthem creating an awesome job on drums including double pedal parts, with an insuperable Simon growling and singing in clean and sharp parts.

The last and best track of this album goes to I see a Fire, as the increscendo is being built from the darkness and evil style in quasi doom metal influence but soon exploding in the best riff of the album using palm muted parts in high sophisticated sections combined with excellent drum details, changing pace continuously until the epic end.

All in all Overdrive is a clear improvement and the best album up to date by Running Death, the production is crystal clear and the compositions are sophisticated, becoming a top class album by a professional thrash metal band.

8 / 10

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INTERVIEW WITH COBRA (2015)

Few weeks ago I had the chance to interview Cobra, one of the new true metal bands that called my attention as one of the most promising new bands of the metal scene worldwide, so after having a well established second album and having toured Europe, it was an inflection point in their career to the top, and obviously Metalheads Union is not gonna miss the opportunity of having a chat with these guys.

If you want to check their second album review follow this link

http://metalheadsunion.blogspot.co.uk/2014/08/review-of-album-to-hell-by-cobra.html

Hi guys how are you? Thank you all for your time!

Hi Daniel, nice to be in contact again. Thanks for your interest in making a second interview to us.

First of all how were the band beginnings? Why did you choose Cobra as your band's name?

Cobra was born ten years ago back in 2005 when Nito and Pochuck decided to create and play heavy metal band in a rough and aggressive way. They chose Cobra as the name of the band because of an old anime they use to watch as kids. Cobra is a lethal name, such as our intentions with rock and roll music.

Have Cobra evolved in any way from the first album to the second album? How could you describe the media feedback for both releases?

Definitely. Cobra evolved in creating a solid album of heavy metal. This means not only having good songs, but delivering a unity of heavy metal: music, lyrics, artwork, ideas, and put together in order to have a blasting experience once you put play to the record.

When “Lethal Strike” was released in 2011, it didn’t have very much media attention as “To Hell” did last year and even nowadays did. The difference was that our first album had a poor promotion and distribution work. Now we are very conscious about the results of working those aspects of an album release.

You got a very aggressive style even when adding that strong hard rock drippings, how could you describe the band's style and what makes it different of most of the new traditional heavy metal bands?

Thanks for the words. I could define Cobra’s style as a very intense heavy metal rock and roll music. About what makes us different between these new traditional bands, we don’t even consider ourselves part of these tag. We are only focused about been ourselves playing the kind of music we like. We don’t want to be like the bands we admire, we want to be as relevant as them with our music.

Which bands are the most influent for you? I'd like to know your individual preferences.

I like artists that are intense with the music they make. The ones that comes to my mind right now would be Earth, The Stooges, Nirvana, Judas Priest, Black Sabbath, The Wailers and Led Zeppelin.

How is the true metal scene in Peru? Now that you played in Keep it true, how do you feel about it? How did the fans react to your sound?

Peruvian metal scene is small, very underground if it’s compared to the European one. Our scene is very unorganized and informal but things are changing to better. Here the concerts are with bands of different metal styles, so it’s common for bands and bangers from here to be into heavy, black, death, doom or even psych and punk music.

Keep It True was a great experience. We never had that sensation to play in front of so many die hard heavy metal maniacs. People there really knows what metal music is about, I think they reacted very well, they could get the vibe and intention of the band. After playing there, I only want more of this.

The vocals that you do are really high pitched some times, changing from sharp to clean patterns, how do you manage to keep your voice while on tour?

I try to avoid cold drinks, smoke and cover always my neck during the tour. Although it’s enjoyable to be on the road having a good time, the best thing is always take care of your instrument.

Tell me a special memory of this European tour.

Waking up during different moments of the day and night inside the van while everyone else was sleeping. Looking at the other guys, our tour manager, the highway, the scenery and realizing that everything was real, that was actually happening. Living like that was everything I ever wanted, it was a great feeling.

Are you working on the new album? If so, could you anticipate any information? What could the fans expect for the next full length?

Right now we are writing and creating new songs. We already know which songs will be part of our third album, but now we are working in two different productions. I hope soon we can have more news about it.

Any chance to visit the UK? What about Japan? If you could choose a country to play, which one could it be?

Actually, we received a couple of offers to visit UK but distances didn’t match to go there. After the European tour we made contact with people involved in festivals and stuff not only in Europe but also in Asia, so let’s make things happen.

If I could choose a country I would like to play in Japan, like Deep Purple did in 1972.

Finally guys could you send a message to your fans?

Beware to our next move, it might be lethal for your mind.

Thanks brothers and hope to see you soon on stage!

Thanks to you Daniel for giving us a space on your site.

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REVIEW OF THE EP THE LOST ONES BY BLOODRED

Bloodred is a blackened death metal band with epic influences, formed in 2009 in Stuttgart by Ron Merz, being a solo band with him composing and playing all the instruments, recording the first EP released in June 2014 digitally with physical copies in August, Joris Nihenkuis recorded all the drums, leaving the band as a studio project at the moment.

Bloodred drink from the roots of the blackened death metal as they well demonstrate on the first track Spirits of the death, the drums heralds a sophisticated performance changing death and black metal style with the guitars, even showing parts of folk melodies; the essential epic structure is present and goes in crescendo to become the key point of this song.

The harsh and growling techniques on the vocals are correctly managed and boost the final sound to a forceful and headbanging feeling, special mention to the vocal performance on their second and final track of their EP, The lost ones, playing with death and thrash metal elements backed by a remarkably headbanging galloping pulse, evolving in intensity and finalising with folk based notes within an epic and powerful structure.

Bloodred managed a crystal clear production on their first creation, well feed by sophisticated compositions, a gem of the genre with just the first EP!

8,5 / 10

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INTERVIEW WITH MAUSOLEUM GATE

Mausoleum Gate first album is coming the next 10th October, you can check the review of the album here.

This is the interview with the band

Hi guys! I admit its a pleasure to have the chance to interview you so thank you very much to you and also to Mr Wolf Mühlmann for making it possible.

Could you tell me why did you chose the name Mausoleum Gate as the band's name? 

Well the name describes our music very well and it has the same vibe as Mercyful fate or Black Sabbath for example.

This is the first full length in 6 years, after a demo and a single, how do you value the evolution of the band during this time?

Obviously the line-up change has changed the band also even though many of the songs are from the old line-up period. I think we have moved a bit to the 70's heavy metal and maybe some progressive elements have more creeped in.

The band evolved from classic heavy metal and doom roots then to include Uriah heep-

Rainbow Elements, how do you feel with the result? 

Sounds fine. I mean Rainbow -the Dio-era- is very significant influence as well as Heep. But I think that NWOBHM-thing hasn't disappeared and it's still very strong.I think we have took different ideas form the past and made something of our own from it.

What bands mainly influenced the bands sound?

Well the NWOBHM-scene: Maiden,Saxon,Angel Witch and so on. Also Mercyful Fate is  a very big influence. And then there are 70's names like Zeppelin,Sabbath,Purple and Heep.Also there are influences from 70's progressive rock like Yes,King Crimson,Genesis and Jethro Tull. A lot of influences really: I'm also a fan of southern rock and there are AOR and jazz likers in the band too.

The album is about to be released and I know is still early, but for now, how did the media react to this release? 

Well the reaction has been mostly very positive. I have read only a couple of more negative reviews which is quite amazing in a way. Our music,our way of playing and our sound are in many ways so uncompromising. Nice to see there are so many who have also saw our vision.

How was the experience of the recording of the album?

It was quite loose and free. We had no pressures at that point because we did it ourselves.Of course when it came to mixing and engineering etc. Wicked Ischanius had the biggest workload on him but for me this was a good way to record.

The band signed with Cruz del Sur music, how do you value the relation with this company?

Well we have been very satisfied so far. The co-operation has been really great.

How many albums have you signed for?

To my understanding only this one. We are a new band and this is our debut  after all.

How do you feel the heavy metal scene in Finland? 

Finnish metal underground is very much alive. There are bands like Evil-Lyn,Speedtrap,Lord Fist,Hellspirit,Lantern and Brainthrash among other very promising bands and  a lot of good metal around. When it comes to more mainstream metal in Finland I think it has got a bit generic unfotunately-Mostly soundwise. I wish there would be more experimenting and variation. Maybe it will change I dunno.

Tell me about your gigs life, how active have been the band since the release of your 2013 single?

I must say we are not a very active live band when it comes to the amount of gigs. It's mainly because the scheduling is quite challenging and that is due to day jobs, different places we live and so on. There could be more gigs but I must say we have enjoyed every gig so far.

NWOBHM legends Cloven Hoof shared stage with you, which other bands have you shared stage with?

Well we have played with Lord Fist,Misty Knight,Sarcofagus,Leather Rebels to mention a few.

Tell me your most memorable moment during your last tour.

Well we haven't done a tour but most memorable thing was the first gig with Mausoleum Gate in Metal Warning III when nobody knew us and we just had to do everything to get audience's attention. Finally we managed to do that and that was -and always is- very rewarding.

Which bands would you like to share stage with in the future? And Which countries would you like to visit?

Sabbath,Mercyful Fate,Maiden...well we got on stage with Exciter and Uli Jon Roth in Keep It True Festival if everything goes as planned. Germany is good country to play and U.K of course, Japan would be really exciting too! 

What are the plans now that the album is out? Could you anticipate some details about an imminent tour?

We just take a little look here how the album is doin' and start to rehearse for the upcoming gigs. There are some plans before KIT but nothing confirmed yet.

Lost beyond the sun is one of your best compositions, could you tell me how do you feel with that song?

That's a nice one. A real nice one. It wasn't so planned it evolved almost by itself.The parts just came up.Really natural process.

Which is your favourite mausoleum gate song?

Lost Beyond The Sun,Mausoleum Gate and Demon Droid ( I love guitarharmonics in that!)

Last but not least,could you leave a message to your fans?

Stay Heavy and Keep On Metal Forever! Never Ever Surrender!

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REVIEW OF THE FIRST ALBUM BY MAUSOLEUM GATE

Mausoleum Gate was born in 2008 in Finland as classic heavy metal band, releasing their first EP in 2010 "Gateways for the wicked" having the chance to gig together with bands like Sarcofagus or Cloven Hoof. After some line up changes, the band finally was completed with axemasters Count LaFey and Kasperi Puranen, Oscar Razanez on drums, Wicked Ischanius on the bass and VP Varpula as vocalist; creating their first single in 2013, Obsessed by metal, and signing with Cruz del Sur Records for their first full length coming next 10th of October 2014, under the name Mausoleum Gate.

Mausoleum gate reveals one of the most promising performs of the year, in matter of a style combining the 70s hard rock heavy metal with the early NWOBHM, sharp melodic guitars and a Deep Purple vocal style, as it starts with the fast paced Magic of the Gypsy queen when Rainbow meets Deep Purple, developing an excellent rhythm with even forceful verses taking you to the top with a straight powerful chorus, and continuing with the roots of 70s heaviest patterns, Demon Druid kicks in as a mid tempo act with a remarkable progression that will take you back in time based on the sound and also on the attitude.

As we continue through this time machine with Lost beyond the sun, the drums reveal a ballad that could be the equivalent of the Temple of the king by Rainbow but with added dose of powerful intensity, changes of pulse and an outstanding interpretation, a true masterpiece from a new band.

Accelerating the pulse we have two pure classic heavy metal tracks, the impulsive headbanging Mercenaries of steel on one hand and There must be demons on the other hand, bringing an early Iron Maiden sensation all over the track mixed with brilliant epic drippings.

The best is yet to come to finalize the album, the tittle track Mausoleum Gate heralds a 12 minutes masterpiece as they take the listener to an epic trip of high intensity verses, with slow mid tempo pulsed rhythms, with one of those true metal chorus to be remembered, performed along a crescendo structure that effectively comprises the sound of the band.

Mausoleum gate debut full length will be an impact on the classic heavy metal scene, offering influences from Uriah Heep, Rainbow or Deep purple on one side but also influenced by the steel of Judas Priest or Iron Maiden at their early stages, creating their own sound, with remarkable work on the keyboards and guitars in every single track.

Mausoleum Gate released a cult masterpiece album that every NWOBHM maniac will like! 

9 / 10

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REVIEW OF THE ALBUM THE PROPHECY BY FORENSICK

Forensick is a traditional heavy metal band from Southern Germany, founded in 2010, the style lies between the melodic heavy metal and early power metal drippings, on the line of bands like Praying Mantis, Saracen, Tygers of pan tang or Bronz, forging a world of mid tempo pounding rhythm patterns, sophisticated compositions combining melodic clean mid range vocals with falsetto high pitched parts.
 Forensick is comprised by Tobias Hubner on the vocals, Stephan Vogt and Matthias Ehmig on the axes, Andreas on the bass and Julian Rocco on the drums. The band released their first album in 2012 having really positive feedback by the media like Metal Hammer or Rockhard Magazine. The Prophecy is their second full length and was released in July 2014 under Pure Underground Records.

The album opens with Hero of the day, developing a good galloping introduction leading to an excellent bridge and one of the best composed chorus of the album linked with a gem of the new wave of traditional heavy metal pure style, Doomsday machine, probably the most memorable verses of the band, so epic composition with changing pulses will make you bang your heads, specially in the fast paced solo.

A hard rocker riff introduces the track Dark secret, cached between melodic hard rock and heavy metal worlds, a mid tempo epic song with an outstanding composition and excellent changes of vocal lows and high pitched parts, linked with time of resistance, opening an increscendo missile of pure classic heavy metal, a real masterpiece with forceful straight vocal parts mix with the usual melodic style creating a true epic metal atmosphere, remarkable the job on the guitars also with an excellent coordination and harmony.

Rising from the silence to another traditional heavy metal pulse When the war begins, astonishing changes of rhythm with galloping riffs and drumbeats on verses and chorus, bringing memories from the symptom of the universe by black Sabbath, clearly a top track and a highlight of the band's style.

Beast within style is on the style of the nwobhm melodic heavy metal band Praying Mantis, (remember Only the children cry or nowhere to hide songs) and boosted with a stronger side taken from the roots of the speed metal, awesome the progression in this track, continued by the ballad of this full length, Lonesome words, outstanding the vocal interpretation in this one, the feeling created is intense and powerful.

Like a shot from a gun begins the track New reality, with a palm muted guitar riff, mid fast pounding drums and a crescendo structure on the vocal part exploding in a long effective chorus, pure old school classic heavy metal sound.

The tittle track, The prophecy is the last in line, combining the hard rocker and heavy metal riffs with galloping drums, heralding the most epic verses of the album, beautiful melodic parts sign of the band, the vocals reminds me a lot to Y&T and that's something remarkably great.

The prophecy by Forensick is composed with memorable melodic moments but still cuts with a sharp edged dangerous style, like a killer melodic heavy metal raised from the roots of the hard rock and NWOBHM; it could be more aggressive at some parts in need of more action, but still an excellent creation that will be followed by legions of true metal fans.

8 / 10


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REVIEW OF THE ALBUM TO HELL BY COBRA

Cobra is a traditional heavy speed metal band from Peru, formed in 2005, had two demos ready by 2007, playing many gigs nationally and being well known in the national heavy metal scene, the release of their split album with Skull allowed them to gig in more south american countries in 2010.
Then, after working hard on the studio the first full length Lethal Strike came to light in 2011 via Austral Holocaust Records having good feedback from the media and also getting better known in Peru and abroad.

Finally To Hell was released last February 2014, after a year of hard work, and got distributed nationally and also in Europe thanks to Van Records.

Cobra style combines the aggressive side of Judas priest, timing it in the Defenders of the faith composition style, with the pulse and riffs from Motorhead and Venom melted in one; the vocalist is styled with high pitched, powerful techniques with sharp melodic moments, sounding like a mix of Judas priest, Exciter and Griffin.

The album starts with Beyond the curse, beginning like an epic in crescendo introduction that leads to the headbanging action in one of the top tracks of the band, from the awesome bass touch to start to the galloping drumbeats and the potent voice, this song is what true metal music sounds like, you will find yourself screaming with a fist in the air, (dudes that is a really powerful ending), outstanding bomb linked with Fallen soldier, kicking in with a fast tempo speed heavy metal style, accelerated Motorhead reminiscences and drippings of Enforcer, remarkable addictive chorus and memories of early Iron Maiden riffs, but keeping the band's sign.

Danger zone slows the drum pounding shots to a mid tempo hard rocker track, excellent interpretation on the vocals, changing from the mid range to the high pitched scream instantaneously. Rough riders takes the strong pulse of the previous song but its transformed in a genuine heavy metal attack.

Beware my wrath accelerates the speed taking you to the mosh pit, excellent harmony in the guitar duet, that is what i call a team work perfectly executed! Vocals are perfect, bringing the fury to the stage, great combo of lows and highs in a  sharp aggressive style.

When i walk the street keep the glory in the voice in another hard rocker- early heavy metal preference with powerful drumbeats, with a rhythm seen on bands like Airbourne or even Krokus or Saxon.

The tittle track To hell, blast the scene with one of the best performed songs of the album, fast paced speed metal that leaves you breathless and will make you bang your heads till the end! Awesome how they link the verses with the guitar shredding and the chords.

The last track, Inner demon, heralds their most sophisticated drums of the album, also being one of the best compositions and the most epic track up to date, forceful voice that goes in crescendo until the ultra high pitched vocals at the end, everything here is outstanding and it demonstrate the style of the band and defines their attitude very well.

Cobra released a true metal masterpiece that will be considered  a gem of the genre, without a doubt these guys are ready to the heavy metal attack nationally and internationally, with a genuine speed heavy metal that will call the attention of true metalheads around the globe, be aware of the deadly COBRA attack!

9 / 10

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REVIEW OF THE FIRST DEMO BY EVIL KILLER

Evil Killer is a traditional Heavy Speed metal band from Spain formed in 2012 and just releasing this demo in January 2013, the band is comprised by Ivan Vera on the lead guitars, Sergio on the drums, Ray on the bass and Mikel on the rhythm guitar and the vocals. The style of this band comes from the combination of the speed faction of NWOBHM bands like Jaguar, Savage or Virtue and the early German Power metal (Helloween on the early times, Walls of Jericho), and obviously Agent Steel or Judas Priest and Iron Maiden are three roots that are followed by the band with high pitched vocals, sharp guitars sounds with abundant shredding between chords and pure speed heavy metal drumbeats in general.

The demo starts with On guard as an instrumental track that bring you back to the essence of the classic heavy metal to attack forcefully with Fight, one of the top tracks in terms of composition, being an authentic speed metal with strong straight chorus and reminiscences of Victim of fate by Helloween at the changes of rhythm.

Adventures Mind mid tempo galloping start lose fuel in comparison with the rest of the material but, however, it improves slightly as it is getting to the mid final part, great changes of pulse and epic feeling in the last minute but the sudden end makes you feel like it is something missing or even incomplete; but it's a demo and it still sound awesome!

Return of my nightmare is another genuine heavy speed metal, a missile of headbanging pulse and powerful chorus, bringing memories from Stand to fight by Virtue, that will take you to the mosh pit, awesome composition also experimenting different changes of rhythm. Tracks like this and Fight defines the band's sound very well.

To finish we have the band's name track, Evil killer, as another fast tempo speed metal but this time more influenced on the power metal side, riveting from start to finish, great composition and better harmony in the sound.

Excellent point of entry of this spanish band, Evil Killer brings the true metal, very well learnt, becoming one more in the club of the new wave of traditional heavy metal. The production is clearly in the first steps and needs to be improved and I'm sure with a better production and keeping doing the compositions like this, this band will have a lot to say not only in Spain but in the European true metal scene; so Fight!

7,5 / 10

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REVIEW OF THE FIRST ALBUM BY NIGHT

Night are a classic heavy metal band from Sweden formed in 2011 and released two singles in 2012 and 2013 followed by the full length Night, released in November 2013 via Gaphals records, receiving numerous great feedback from the media! Their style can be timed back to the mid late 70s with influences from Judas Priest and early NWOBHM bands like Angel Witch or Samson developing both hard rock and authentic heavy metal melted at perfection. 

The album explodes with one of their heaviest anthems, Fire and Steel, taking the genuine sound of the Judas priest British steel era mixed with sharp angry high pitched vocals leading to a headbanging chorus to scream on the gigs; linking this bomb, the main hard rocker-early heavy metal riff of Gunpowder Treason start to sound in crescendo with a forceful mid tempo pulse, one of their best tracks of this album, awesome bridge and really effective chorus!

Following the same headbanging rhythm, Out of the ashes, comes to light created to be a heavy metal hymn; the vocals keep standing in the same high pitched level but this time the sharp style leads to a cleaner vocal techniques, reminiscences of early Judas priest on the instrumental, memories of Cheater from rocka rolla album, that's great!

Running in the night main riff reveals a mid fast tempo headbanging pulse always in harmony with the high pitched vocals, remarkable touch on the drums and the chorus, this track is well linked with Taking you Down where they use the same combo but adding a really intense chorus and an exceptional instrumental with an in-crescendo structure.

Hang 'Em High hard rocker start is amazing as it twists the style bringing you the heavy metal glory on the bridge and chorus in this mid tempo anthem, taking you to the final tracks of the album where the hard rock goes a little behind  with Stand Your Ground being again a mid tempo track but with a instrumental gone wilder than before specially at the second half of the song where the vocalist make an outstanding interpretation with sharp high pitched forceful verses.

But don't breath yet, Play it Loud explode like a bomb with the faster tempo hard pounding drumbeats, the composition is awesome as the bridge takes you up to the chorus leaving you banging your head as you shout it Play it loud! And now its the turn of Into the Night, probably the heaviest track together with Fire and Steel, the drums take a rhythm seen before on tracks like Rapid Fire by Judas Priest,  now every member of the band is in harmony, the composition is something extraordinary, astonishing the guitars how evolve from bridge to chorus, encapsulating the band's style.

The last track of the album, Keep the Fire Burning, heralds a mid tempo galloping pulse really well forged leaving the sensation of being a solid composition in harmony with the rest of the album but losing some fuel after the last two metal missiles.

Overall Night created an awesome album, where hits like Gunpowder Treason, Fire and Steel or Into the night will be recognised masterpieces, the instrumental is perfect and influenced by the roots of heavy metal, drinking from the same chalice of 70s and specially 1980 British Steel Judas Priest or Dio and having reminiscences of Oliver Magnum. The production is great also, being their first full length is outstanding the sound they have managed, the level of inspiration in this band is truly high and it will be the key of leading the torch of the new wave of classic heavy metal.

8,5 / 10

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Post by Daniel Ortiz from Metalheads Union and Metalheads Union FB

REVIEW OF THE ALBUM UNDER THE PENTAGRAM BY SKYCONQUEROR

Skyconqueror is a classic heavy metal band from Germany, formed in 1997 comprised by Carsten Stiens on the drums, Mirko Jankord on the bass, axemaster Jan Tappert and vocals by Daniel Hiller.

The band released three demos in their early years until the release of their first full length in 2008, Hellstory, taking the band to give plenty gigs in the following years and then releasing their second album Under the Pentagram at the beginning of July 2014.

The band forged a combination of hard rock and heavy metal sound as seen on the NWOBHM bands of the late 70s and early 80s, the influences are high from bands like Accept, Saxon or Dio which is something awesome!

The album break the silence with Monolith offering an excellent riff taken straight from the early NWOBHM when hard rocker tunes blue rock influenced melted with aggressive heavy metal blasts, great feeling with the vocals, mid range style in a melodic technique and then attacking fast with Demon, really epic song with forceful heavy structure and those kind of chorus made to raise your fists, remarkable guitar job on the second half bringing back that approach from the first line up of the germans Accept.

The Sanctuary of 83 develop a strong pulse mid tempo drumbeats, excellent composition as the guitars and the vocals dancing around this thunderous rhythm, linking to the galloping riffs on the vein of Iron Maiden, Horseman of the Grail, headbanging piece with one of the best chorus of the album; as the acoustic guitars of The Dusk take you to an intense ballad, offering a fantastic vocal perception that leads to the tittle track Under the Pentagram as another classic heavy metal headbanging act with strong drumbeats, also following the same strategy it continues with Fallen Rainbow Warrior developing NWOBHM genuine riffs with influences from Saxon.

Without a break the mid tempo pulse of Bells of Fate bring you up wrecking your necks adding a good catchy chorus, made to be shouted at the gigs. Outstanding tune guys!

Through different eyes is an in crescendo instrumental track that links with Running high in a fantastic hard rocker riff start  that is combined with early heavy metal at perfection, and following to the next and last song of the album, Blade of Black, following the combination of styles characteristic of the band, being the sign of their music and also adding some power metal elements.

Skyconqueror forged an exceptional album combining the hard rock roots with the sharp dangerous heavy metal sound of the early 80s, every single track is good and the guys made a good job together as a band. With Under the Pentagram I'm sure they will get to the next level, keeping the heavy metal roots intact demonstrating that the Traditional Heavy Metal is back and stronger than ever.

8,5 / 10


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PROMOTION BY METAL MESSAGE


Post by Daniel Ortiz from Metalheads Union and Metalheads Union FB